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Music

Premiere: Loud Lary Ajust Asks You to “Tiens Mon Drink”

It's what happens when a rowdy French-Canadian rap group demands that someone hold their drink.

Have you ever wondered what you’d get if you crossed Rick Ross' “money- pussy-power” message with Montreal’s loaf, French Canadian vibes? If such a combination were to exist, it would likely sound like the kind of stuff Loud Lary Ajust, a trio from the Belle Province’s famed metropolis. The group is composed of two rappers, Loudmouth and Lary Kidd, as well as a producer, A-Justice, who lays down the beats and is responsible for mixing and mastering. Unlike previous generations of Québécois rappers, these guys capture the same bilingual essence of the city that gives business owners and lawmakers such a headache. Their lyrics are strewn with references to everything Montreal, from Candlewood Suites (the well known extended stay hotel) to Saint Laurent, the city’s main artery and renowned party street. Their words speak to a generation that’s just as in touch with the American mainstream music scene as it is with its French Canadian roots, and to just about anyone willing to slur a little French into their rap, really. If you don’t get what they’re talking about, the beat is sure to get your attention, alternating between clean sampling, trap, and electro.

The name alone of their new song epitomizes Loud Lary Ajust’s discourteous character: “Tiens Mon Drink” (Hold My Drink) isn’t a question, or even a polite request; these guys are letting you know they’ll need both hands to do whatever you came to watch. Follow Loud Lary, Ajust and friends as they go from back alleys to “deps” (dépanneurs, alcohol selling convenience stores) across the city without giving two shits about anyone else. True to themselves, they go from Moët to ratchet in the space of a couple minutes without committing to either, just to keep you guessing. Although they save the glamour for the lyrics, their act is confident enough to make you believe they really do have a habit of spilling champagne on their new shoes, despite shoplifting chips and hanging out at not-so-fine dining establishments. But if you’ve never heard them before, don’t take my word for it, the video is premiering here for you all to see for yourselves.

Martha Cote is a writer living in Quebec